PATASKALA - Defenses have taken center stage in recent battles between rivals Licking Heights and Watkins Memorial, and expect more of the same Friday.

The Hornets and Warriors renew the Battle for Broad Street rivalry at Watkins' Ascena Field. The game kicks off at 7 p.m.

The Hornets have won the past three meetings, but the past two particularly have not been without anxious moments. Heights won 14-11 in 2016 and 17-9 a season ago as the Hornets were unable to shake the Warriors.

This season, both teams are leaning heavily on their defense with Heights fresh off a 44-0 shutout of Lakewood and entering play at 5-2 and Watkins having allowed just 15 total points in its three victories.

Heights senior quarterback Jacob Righter is second in the Licking County League in passing with 927 yards and nine touchdowns, and he has run for 392 yards and five additional scores. He had plenty of help against Lakewood as Daniel Goins and Zion Sharp each scored twice to fuel the rout.

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Watkins Memorial senior Austin Branham attempts to slip past Licking Valley's Ethan Hile during last Friday's game. Branham is hoping to help the Warriors beat Licking Heights for the first time since 2014.(Photo11: Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate)

Watkins senior running back Austin Branham ranks third in the LCL with 773 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Branham, who scored Watkins' only touchdown in a 29-7 loss to Licking Valley last Friday, also has been a dynamic player on special teams, blocking a punt in a recent victory against Heath, and senior Everett Albin and junior Christian Harvey power the Watkins defense.

Heights coach Darren Waters and then-Watkins coach Jeff Buchanan resumed the rivalry in 2006 after the football programs had not played since 1983, when both were members of the original LCL.

Watkins beat Heights 35-0 in 2006, but the Hornets have had the better of it since. The Hornets have won eight of the past 11 meetings.